The move makes sense for two large reasons: DiPietro's contract all but guarantees that he'll make it through waivers, and he needs to play. The AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers are good place for that.

DiPietro had made just 47 appearances over the last four seasons because of an endless string of injuries. So far in 2013, he's 0-3 with a 4.10 GAA and .855 percentage.

As is always the case with the Islanders, there's a financial component to the decision. DiPietro's contract still counts against the Isles' cap, courtesy of the new CBA's so-called "Wade Redden rule" that stops franchises from burying bad contracts in the minor leagues. That's actually a good thing for New York, because they need to stay above the salary cap floor.